Intermec 6200, 6210 Troubleshooting Manual

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers

TROUBLESHOOTING

GUIDE

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P/N: 961-054-006

Revision A

January 1997

" NOTICE

The information contained herein is proprietary and is provided solely for the
purpose of allowing customers to operate and service Intermec manufactured
equipment and is not to be released, reproduced, or used for any other purpose
without written permission of Intermec.

Disclaimer of Warranties. The sample source code included in this document is
presented for reference only. The code does not necessarily represent complete,
tested programs. The code is provided “ASISWITHALLFAULTS.” ALL

WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED, INCLUDING THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

We welcome your comments concerning this publication. Although every effort has
been made to keep it free of errors, some may occur. When reporting a specific
problem, please describe it briefly and include the book title and part number, as
well as the paragraph or figure number and the page number.

Send your comments to:
Intermec Technologies Corporation
Publications Department
550 Second Street SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

ANTARES, INTERMEC, NORAND, NOR*WARE, PEN*KEY, TRAKKER, and
TRAKKER ANTARES are registered trademarks of Intermec Technologies
Corporation.



1997 Intermec Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved.

This publication printed on recycled paper.

Acknowledgments

Hayes is a registered trademark of Hayes Microcomputer Products Inc.
Microsoft, MS, and MS -DOS, and Windows, are registered trademarks and Visual

Basic for Windows, and Windows for Pen are trademarks of M icrosoft Corporation.

FCC Computer Compliance

"

NOTICE

This equipment meets Class B digital device limits per Part 15 of FCC Rules.
These limits protect against interference in a residential area. It emits, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy. If you do not install and use the equipment
according to its instructions, it may interfere with radio signals. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio o r television reception,
which can be determined by turning our equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

Reorient or relocate the radio or television receiving antenna.

"

Increase the separation between the computer equipment and receiver.

"

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to

"

which the radio or television receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or television technician for

"

help.

Canadian Computer Compliance

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Reglèment
sur le material boilleur du Canada.

Telephone Installation Warning Notices

The following notices apply to equipment that may be connected to telephone lines
or systems. For your personal safety, and to protect this equipment from potential
electrical or physical damage, do NOT connect equipment to telephone lines or
data communication equipment unless the following warnings have been read,
understood, and complied with.

Never install telephone wiring during a lightning storm.

"

Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is

"

specifically designed for wet locations.
Never touch uninsulated telephone wires or terminals unless the

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telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface.
Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.

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Avoid using a telephone (other than cordless type) during an electrical

"

storm. There may be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.
Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.

"

Installation du téléphone : avertissements

Les avertissements qui suivent s’appliquent à tout équipement qui peut être
branché aux lignes ou systèmes téléphoniques. Pour votre sécurité personnelle et
pour protéger l’équipement de tout dommage électrique ou physique potentiel, NE
PAS brancher un o rdinateur tablette électronique ou ses périphériques aux lignes
téléphoniques ou équipements avant que les avertissements suivants aient été lus,
compris et observés :

Ne jamais installer de câblage téléphonique pendant un orage électrique.

"

Ne jamais installer de prise téléphonique dans un endroit humide à

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moins que la prise ait été spécifiquement conçue pour être utilisée dans
les endroits humides.

Ne jamais toucher les fils de téléphone ou de l’équipement terminal non

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isolés à moins que la ligne téléphonique n’ait été débranchée de
l’interface réseau.

User de prudence lors de l’installation ou de la modification de lignes

"

téléphoniques.
Éviter d’utiliser un téléphone (autre qu’un appareil téléphonique sans

"

fil) pendant un orage électrique. Il pourrait y avoir un faible risque
d’électrocution par la foudre.

Ne pas utiliser le téléphone afin de signaler une fuite de gaz à proximité

"

de la fuite.

CONTENTS

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SECTION 1

Introduction 1-1...............................................

About this Guide 1-1............................................

Audience 1-1..............................................

Organization 1-1............................................

Related Documents 1-2..........................................

6200 and 6210 Differences 1-2....................................

Appearance 1-2............................................

Charging 1-3...............................................

Accessory Modifications 1-4......................................

4960 Multidock 1-4.........................................

Backup Battery 1-4.........................................

Endcap 1-4................................................

Keyboard 1-5..............................................

Reset Switch 1-5...........................................

RJ-11 Phone Jack (Optional) 1-5...............................

PC Card Slots 1-6...........................................

SECTION 2

Battery Tips 2-1...............................................

Low Battery Conditions 2-1.......................................

Battery Status Indicators 2-1......................................

Self-Discharge 2-4..............................................

TemperatureExtremes 2-4........................................

Computer Beeps 2-4.............................................

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide i

CONTENTS

"

Battery Conditioning 2-5.........................................

Conditioning Cycle 2-5......................................

Information Logging 2-7.....................................

Main Battery Conditioning 2-8................................

Backup Battery Conditioning 2-8..............................

Considerations 2-9..........................................

TechnicalSupport 2-10...........................................

SECTION 3

Flash 3-1.....................................................

Beeping Sounds 3-1.............................................

Overriding Default Boot Drive 3-1.................................

6200 Computer Locks Up 3-2.....................................

Reset the Computer 3-3......................................

Master-Mode Boot 3-4.......................................

Return to Operations 3-4.....................................

6210 Computer Locks Up 3-5.....................................

Reset the Computer 3-5......................................

Master-Mode Boot 3-6.......................................

Return to Operations 3-6.....................................

SECTION 4

Troubleshooting 4-1............................................

Troubleshooting Tips 4-1.........................................

Clearing Out RAM Drive 4-9.....................................

Master Mode Booting Computer 4-9................................

Checking Flash Version 4-10.......................................



Booting to NORAND

Utilities Menu 4-10...........................

Contrast and Backlight Adjustments 4-11.............................

Adjust Contrast 4-11.........................................

Adjust Backlight 4-11........................................

Turn Backlight On or Off 4-11..................................

ii 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

CONTENTS

FIGURES

Figure 1-1 Computers 1-2........................................

Figure 1-2 6200 PC Card Slots 1-6.................................

Figure 2-1 Battery Status Indicators 2-3.............................

Figure 3-1 Ballpoint Pen in 6200 Reset Switch 3-3.....................

Figure 3-2 Paper Clip in 6210 Reset Switch 3-5.......................

Figure 4-1 Contrast and Backlight Adjustment Icons 4-11................

TABLES

Table4-1 Troubleshooting 4-1.....................................

INDEX

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6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide iii

CONTENTS

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iv 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

Section 1

Introduction

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About this Guide

This troubleshooting guide is written for both the NORAND6200 and
6210 Hand-Held Computers.

Audience

The intended audience is the administrator or persons acting in that capacity.

Organization

This guide is divided into these sections:

Section 1, Introduction

"

Tells how this guide is organized, contains a summary of each sec­tion, lists major differences between the 6200 Computer and the 6210
Computer, and details some accessory modifications.

Section 2, Battery Tips

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Information to help keep the batteries at maximum efficiency.

Section 3, Flash

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Describes what to do when working with flash.

Section 4, Troubleshooting

"

Lists possible problems, causes, and solutions. Describes how to
clear out the computer’sRAM drive, Master-Mode Boot the comput­er, check the computer’s Flash version, and adjust contrast and back­light settings.

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 1-1

SECTION 1 " Introduction

Related Documents

The 6200 Computer and the 6210 Computer each has a user guide available.
Contact the Norand Supply Sales for copies:

"

6200 Hand-Held Computer User’sGuide

NPN: 961-028-075

"

PEN*KEYModel 6210 Hand-Held Computer User’sGuide

NPN: 961-028-090

6200 and 6210 Differences

The 6200 Computer and the 6210 Computer have similar functionality, with
the 6210 Computer with added reliability,temperature extremes resistance,
and IR and Ethernet capabilities. If integrating both computers into the
same system, note the following differences:

Appearance

The 6200 Computer has rubber molded onto its back, while the 6210 Com­puter has a metal back plate.

6200 Computer

Figure 1-1

Computers

1-2 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

Metal back plateRubber molding

6210 Computer

SECTION 1 " Introduction

Charging

The 6210 Computer requires more power from the charging source than the
6200 Computer. A good rule of thumb to remember is:

One 6210 Computer is equal to. . .

"

Two 6200 Computers and is equal to. . .

"

Four 4000 Series Computers when used in the 4960 Multidock.

"

Each power source in the NORAND Local Area Network (LAN) environ­ment can power any one of the following:

One 4960 Multidock loaded with six 6210 Computers

"

Two 4960 Multidocks loaded with twelve 6200 Computers

"

Four 4960 Multidocks loaded with 24 4000 Series Computers

"

A NORANDLAN power source is defined as any of the following:

4970, 4970P, 4970I, or 4970PI LAN1 OUT port

"

4980, 4980P, 4980I, or 4980PI LAN1 port

"

4985 LAN1 port (charges two 4960 Multidocks when used with the

"

4000 Series Computers)
4A Charger (replaces NC4000, also used with 6300 Multidock)

"

8A Charger with two output ports (dual-power source)

"

To use the 4A or 8A chargers in place of a 4970 APU, two special “Y”
cables are available from Norand.

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 1-3

SECTION 1 " Introduction

Accessory Modifications

4960 Multidock

Some 4960 Multidocks were changed to p rovide a better fit for the 6200
Computer. These multidocks have a bar created to sit across the top of the
multidock to force the 6200 Computer to lean forward.

Remove the bar if the 4960 Multidock is to work with the 6210 Computer.
No special tools are required.

Backup Battery

The backup battery, in both the 6200 and 6210 Computers, has no
ON/OFF switch. Keep the computer on charge. If the computer is in stor­age for several days, remove or disconnect the backup battery before storing
the computer. A good backup battery keeps the computer memory active
for about a day when the main battery pack is not installed. With proper
precautions,this battery is replaceable.

The 6200 Computer uses a 9-volt alkaline backup battery. Change this bat­tery every 90 days, as a precaution.

The 6210 Computer uses a rechargeable NiCd backup battery. No special
care is required. Computers, with Flash version 1.60 or greater, can and
should condition this backup battery every six months.

Endcap

Most 6210 Computers come with a standard endcap accommodating the
reset switch, the RS-232 D-sub connector, and the optional RJ-11 jack. Use
a Phillips screwdriver to change any of these pieces.

1-4 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

SECTION 1 " Introduction

Keyboard

The 30- and 56-key keyboards are the same for both computers, held in
place by three screws. The current standard overlays are black, with a Nor­and part number printed on the bottom. Keys are snapped into the plastic.
There are no electronics in this assembly. The rubber pad under the key­board assembly is not movable; it acts as a seal to protect the circuits be­neath.

Reset Switch

The 6200 Computer reset switch is a white button on the circuit board in the
PC card compartment area. Use a ballpoint pen or your finger to press this
switch.

The 6210 Computer reset switch is adjacent to the RS-232 D-Sub connector
support at the top of the computer. Use a properly bent standard paper clip
to press this switch.

RJ-11Phone Jack (Optional)

In the 6200 Computer,the RJ-11 phone jack is part of the top cover. If the
RJ-11 connector or the cable that goes between the RJ-11 and the PC Card
need replacing, send the computer to the Service Center.

In the 6210 Computer,the RJ-11 phone jack is next to the 15-pin D-Sub
connector assembly on the endcap. Access the other side of the RJ-11
phone jack through the back panel of the 6210 Computer. The PC Modem
Card and RJ-11phone jack connecting cable can be changed.

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 1-5

SECTION 1 " Introduction

PC Card Slots

(Also known as PCMCIA card slots). In both the 6200 and 6210 Comput­ers, drive A: is the slot closest to the LCD screen.

Use firm pressure to seat the PC card -- do not use force. With the connec­tor-end going in first, slide the PC card into the PC card slot. If any resis­tance is felt, remove the PC card, flip it over, and try again.

Access the 6210 Computer PC Card slots through the computer’sback pan­el. There are no eject buttons in the 6210 Computer.

Access the 6200 Computer PC Card slots through the top of the computer.
Drives A: and B: each has an eject button, which pop up when the PC card
is seated correctly.

1

5

4

3

1. Lower PC Card (drive A) type II or type III

2. Right memory card eject button for drive A (not shown)

3. Top of computer

4. Left memory card eject button for drive B

5. Upper PC Card (drive B) type II

Figure 1-2

6200 PC Card Slots

1-6 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

2

Section 2

Battery Tips

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This section describes tips to remember and simple solutions for some low
battery conditions that can make the computer appear defective.

Low Battery Conditions

Use the following steps to d iagnose and correct low battery conditions that
can make the computer appear defective. Expect low battery conditions
when:

New computers are stored or delayed in shipping before arrival.

"

Doing new computer initial startups.

"

Spare computers are stored on the shelf one day or more.

"

Handling repaired computers.

"

Computers are kept in extreme temperatures, such as above 104°F

"

°

(40

C) or below 3 2°F(0°C). Such temperatures hinders computer

charging.

"

NOTE: Store spare computers with both the main battery and the backup battery removed

or keep these computers on charge.

Battery Status Indicators

If the application configuration includes PWRDISP.COM, the battery and
charge voltages are available on the last line of the computer screen. The
values are updated only when a key is pressed, such as the [ON] key. The
application must accept keyboard input before the display will update.

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 2-1

SECTION 2 " Battery Tips

The PWRDISP.COM program (depending on which application configura­tion) displays the main battery voltage, the backup battery voltage, and the
charge voltage. The PWRDISP.COM program was released with
PEN*KEY

Voltage information, updated after each key stroke, appears in a line at the
bottom of the screen. The meaning for each is listed below, reading the line
on the computer screen, from left to right.

"

"

"



Tool Kit V1.40.

Main Battery (NiCd):

Higher number values appear while charging.
Typical voltage (off charge): 7.5 to 6.0 volts.

First Arrow:

-- Main battery is fully charged.

-- Main battery is okay (no arrow).

-- Main battery is low.

Second Arrow:

-- Main battery is charging.

-- Main battery is okay, not charging (no arrow).

-- Main battery nonrechargeable.

-- Main battery installed incorrectly while charging
(appears more than one minute after a charge).

-- Main battery is critically low.

-- Main battery is critically low and charging.

"

NOTE: The Low Main battery warning indicators cover only the relative remaining battery

capacity. These indicators are not exact. Their timing varies daily and depends on
who uses the computer. Experience with these indicators dictate a user’s judgment
on how much battery life remains. They may vary from route to route, computer to
computer, or operator to operator.

2-2 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

Backup Battery:

"

6200 Computer (9-volt alkaline):

"

> 9.0 volts is normal for a new backup battery.

8.0 volts means the backup battery needs replacing.

6210 Computer (2.4-volt rechargeable NiCd):

"

2.0--3.0 volts is the typical range.

" Charge Input:

Normalreadingrangesfrom10to15volts.

SECTION 2 " Battery Tips

First Ar-

Main Bat-

tery

Second Arrow

row

Backup Bat-

tery

Charge Input

6.0↑↑9.0 0.0

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 2-3

Figure 2-1

Battery Status Indicators

SECTION 2 " Battery Tips

Self-Discharge

Rechargeable batteries discharge when left on the shelf (whether in a com­puter or not). Thus, rechargeable batteries stored for as little as a month

need to be recharged before using. If an external charger cannot be used
and the battery must be installed in a computer,allow an extra three hours of
charging before using the computer without an attached charge source.
Sometimes it takes two or more charge-and-discharge cycles to bring a
stored battery back to normal capacity.

Temperature Extremes

If the computer is kept at room temperature, a dead battery charges in as
little as three hours. If the computer is kept at extreme temperatures, such
as above 104
computer continues to operate from the charge source as long as it is avail­able.

If this becomes a problem, an external battery pack charger may have to be
purchased to keep spare batteries charged. Contact Norand Customer Sup­port Center for more information.

°

F(40°C), the computer does not charge the battery. The

Computer Beeps

“Beeps” are usually referring to the memory power-on self-test after the
reset switch is pressed. Listen for beeps when pressing the [ON] key to
wake up the computer. One or three beeps indicate a low main battery. If
the computer beeps but does not power up, place the computer on charge. A
good computer, with a low main battery, powers up when placed on charge.
Allow this computer to remain on charge for a few minutes. The main bat­tery pack fully charges with a fast charge of 2 1/2 hours; or a trickle charge
of 10--14 hours. The computer will determine whether to do a fast charge or
a trickle charge.

"

NOTE: Do not disconnect the backup battery until the computer powers up from the main

battery or from the charge; or unless the computer data is not critical.

2-4 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

Battery Conditioning

Usage: BC [[drive:][path]logfile.ext]
BC.EXE is a DOS application that provides NiCd battery conditioning for

later versions of the 6200 Computers and all versions of the 6210 Comput­ers. Proper conditioning of NiCd batteries can extend the life of the battery
and the amount of charge it provides.

Both the main battery pack and the backup battery can be conditioned on
6210 Computers.

Since the actual conditioning of the battery is a system function, BC.EXE
initially checks to ensure that the battery conditioning is supported by the
system before prompting to select the battery to condition. If the function is
not supported, the program displays “Not Supported” on the screen and ends
the program. If battery conditioning is supported, the program displays a
selection menu and creates the optional log file.

After selecting the battery to be conditioned, BC.EXE verifies that the bat­tery can be conditioned. If supported by the system, the battery condition­ing cycle begins. If not supported by the system, an error is displayed.

SECTION 2 " Battery Tips

"

NOTE: Do not run this program when the computer is holding critical or unrecoverable

data.

Conditioning Cycle

When the conditioning cycle begins, the following status information is dis­played:

Program version.

"

Battery being conditioned:

"

"

CONDITION BUB Backup battery is conditioning.

"

CONDITION MAIN Main battery pack is conditioning.

Voltage of battery conditioned.

"

System ambient temperature.

"

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 2-5

SECTION 2 " Battery Tips

"

"

Status of condition cycle. Possible statuses are:

"

INIT Condition cycle selected.

"

DRAIN Battery charge draining.

"

CHARGE Battery charging.

"

COMPLETE Condition cycle complete or not started.

Check error displayed for good cycle.

Errors which can occur during the conditioning cycle, such as the
following:

"

BOTH Both main and backup battery

condition cycles attempted
simultaneously.

"

CHG LOSS Charge input lost for more than 10 to

20 seconds.

"

CHG DISABLE System charge functionality disabled.

"

OLD PS Condition cycle attempted on a 62XX

System that does not support battery
conditioning.

"

POWERFAIL Computer experienced loss of power

causing suspension during conditioning
cycle.

"

TEMPERATURE Systemtemperature too cold or hot for

continued backup battery conditioning.

"

SUSPEND Computer removed from charge and

suspended before cycle complete.

"

BATT GONE Computer has no battery installed for

selected conditioning cycle.

"

OK Conditioning cycle has no errors.

"

??? Error unknown.

Battery capacity (10 second increments of discharge).

"

Timesince last condition cycle (10 second increments -- accurate

"

only if computer has not been reset since last condition cycle).

2-6 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

SECTION 2 " Battery Tips

Amount of charge replaced in the backup battery during the charge

"

portion of the condition cycle (10 second increments). As the battery
ages, this value decreases and allows the system to keep track of low
backup battery conditions that may result from aborted backup bat­tery condition cycles. Not valid for main battery packs.

Status of charge engine. The condition charge cycle begins with the

"

high charge and ends with topoff charge or any of the following low
charge statuses displayed:

"

TO DEBOUNCE Charge input removed during topoff

charge cycle. If reapplied within 10
seconds, topoff resumes.

"

TOPOFF Battery charge topped off.

"

LO DEBOUNCE Charge input removed during low

charge cycle. If reapplied within 10
seconds, low charge resumes.

"

LO CHARGE Battery is trickle-charged.

"

HI DEBOUNCE Charge input removed during high

charge cycle. If reapplied within 10
seconds, high charge resumes.

"

HIGH CHARGE Battery charged at high rate.

"

DISCHARGE Battery discharged.

"

INIT CHARGE Battery charge cycle initialized.

"

??? Battery charge cycle status unknown.

Information Logging

An optional command line parameter can be specified to indicate the name
of a file that battery conditioning data may be written to. The following
information is written to the file as the condition cycle progresses:

Voltage of battery being conditioned.

"

System temperature.

"

Condition Cycle Status.

"

Any error encountered during conditioning cycle.

"

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 2-7

SECTION 2 " Battery Tips

"

"

"

"

"

Main Battery Conditioning

Once the condition cycle is invoked, a new condition cycle cannot be
executed until the current condition cyclefinishes. A condition cycle can­not be terminated except when the computer is removed from a charge
source. A main battery pack conditioning cycle cannot be invoked if a
backup battery conditioning cycle is in progress or if the charge algorithm is
disabled by the host. Battery conditioning cycle is aborted when there is a
power failure.

Battery capacity.
Time since last condition cycle.
Amount of charge replaced in battery during charge portion of condi-

tion cycle. This value decreases as the battery ages.
Charge engine status. The condition charge cycle begins with the

“High” charge and ends with the “topoff” or “low” charge status.
Battery voltage slope over time during conditioning cycle.

A conditioning cycle involves discharging the main battery pack, then
charging the main battery pack until termination of charge is detected. Dur­ing the discharge cycle, the main battery pack capacity is measured (10 se­cond increments) until the low voltage point is reached. Once reached, dis­charge is disabled and the main battery pack is charged. The conditioning
cycle may take up to 12 hours to complete when the main battery pack is
fully charged at the beginning of the cycle.

Backup Battery Conditioning

"

NOTE: Backup battery conditioning is available on later 6210 Computer versions.

A conditioning cycle is invoked by the user. Once the conditioning cycle is
invoked, a new conditioning cycle cannot be executed until the current
conditioning cycle finishes. A conditioning cycle cannot be terminated ex­cept when the computer is removed from a charge source or is placed in
extreme temperatures. A backup battery conditioning cycle cannot be in­voked if a main battery pack conditioning cycle is in progress or charge is

2-8 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

SECTION 2 " Battery Tips

not present. The backup battery conditioning cycle is aborted when low
main battery warnings or power failure occurs.

A conditioning cycle involves discharging the backup battery, then charging
until capacity is replaced. During the discharge cycle, battery capacity is
measured (10 second increments) until the low voltage point is reached. A
fully charged backup battery takes ten hours to drain. Once this voltage is
reached, charge is enabled. The backup battery is rated at 1000 mAh. The
6210 Computer gives a reading of a good battery, which recharges in 12.5
hours or 4500 counts.

Considerations

"

NOTE: Do not run this program when the computer is holding critical or unrecoverable

data.

As battery conditioning removes charge from the batteries, take care not to
remove the computer from charge once a conditioning cycle is started or if a
conditioning cycle stops due to error. If the computer is removed from
charge during a conditioning cycle, the computer may suffer data loss o r a
reset depending on the condition of the batteries.

Also, since the battery status is unknown, improper backup battery system
functioning may o ccur and result in improper computer behavior and data
loss if the computer is used for data processing purposes before the batteries
can be fully recharged. Due to the risk involved in conditioning, important

data in the computer should be backed up or removed from the computer
before starting a conditioning cycle. If anything goes wrong, this data can
be restored as necessary.

If errors are reported during the conditioning cycle, the conditioning cycle
terminates. If termination occurs, the battery being conditioned should
charge completely before it can be used. It takes two hours for the main
battery pack to charge and 12.5 hours for the backup battery to charge.

Alternatively,the battery being conditioned can be replaced with a charged
battery. To reduce the chance of condition cycle errors, do not remove the
computer from charge once a conditioning cycle is started. Only cycle the
batteries in an environment where temperatures do not exceed 30

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 2-9

°

C(86°F).

SECTION 2 " Battery Tips

Technical Support

If any problems, please call the Norand Customer Response Center at
1-800-221-9236.

2-10 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers Troubleshooting Guide

Section 3

Flash

""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

Beeping Sounds

Beeping sounds occur after pressing the reset switch to test extended
memory in the computer. If all extended memory is allocated to a RAM
drive, there is no beeping.

Overriding Default Boot Drive

To boot from drive A: or B:, have a PC Card in that slot. To boot from a
drive other than the default drive:

1. Press the reset switch. The computer should make beep sounds.

2. Repeatedly press the [F4] key until the computer beeps.

3. Immediately hold down the [F4] key before the beeping stops. Con­tinue to hold the [F4] key until the ROM DOS 5 Boot Menu appears
at the bottom of the screen.

4. Press the number for the desired boot drive.

Another way to set a new default boot drive is through the NORAND
Utilities program when the computer is already in drive D:\:



1. Access the NORAND Utilities program.

2. Press [9] for the Advanced Utilities

3. Press [5] to set the new default boot drive.

4. Press the reset switch.

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 3-1

SECTION 3 " Flash

6200 Computer Locks Up

"

NOTE: All computers may experience a lock up from time to time. Call Norand Customer

Support at 1-800-221-9236 if the computer cannot get restarted.

If the batteries are good and properly charged, and the computer still does
not start up, there may be a flash problem. Generally,a flash problem can
occur if the application or the flash attempts to call a program that is not
present. This attempt most likely occurs during software (flash or applica­tion) upgrades or changes.

One possible lock up can be caused by the BATWARN.EXE file, which puts
battery status icons on the display. The BATWARN.EXE file caused
unpredictable computer failures, thus Norand removed the BATWARN.EXE
software file from Flash versions 1.40 and greater to prevent these failures.
One possible replacement for the BATWARN.EXE file is the
PWRDISP.COM file. If DOS is on the computer, do one of these options:

Use the computer,but without notification of the battery’s condition.

"

Power management software still runs, but there are no warnings of
low batteries or chargers getting attached. The computer boots up as
normal, but the error message stating the BATWARN.EXE file failed
to load probably scrolls off the screen rather quickly.

Change the computer software setup to take advantage of the Power

"

Display software.
Continue to run the computer with the BATWARN.EXE file and its

"

known unfixable problems.

The unit should boot to a custom-boot program or the NORAND Utilities
screen.

3-2 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

Reset the Computer

B

CAUTION: Do NOT use a lead pencil on the reset switch.

To reset the computer,do the following:

1. Open the backup battery compartment and remove any PC Cards
from the computer.

2. Gently press the reset switch inside the backup battery compartment,

using a ballpoint pen.

4

SECTION 3 " Flash

1

2

3

1. Backup battery compartment door

2. Reset switch

3. Topof computer

4. Ballpoint pen

Figure 3-1

Ballpoint Pen in 6200 Reset Switch

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 3-3

SECTION 3 " Flash

Master-Mode Boot

"

NOTE: A Master-Mode Boot card is required, contact the Norand Customer Response Cen-

ter for this card. The computer must be on charge before doing these steps. Do not
interrupt power while reprogramming the flash, otherwise the Master-Mode Boot
processhas to restart. A failed master-mode boot (seven beeps) may require cold­booting the computer, removing ALL power and starting the computer again.

If the screen is still blank, reflash the computer with these steps:

1. Remove all batteries and put the computer on charge.

2. Install the Master-Mode Boot card in the B: slot.

"

NOTE: Connect the computer to a charge source before doing this next step.

3. Press and hold the [YES] key on the front of the computer, then press
the reset switch. The computer should “beep” seven times as it at­tempts to boot from the B: slot.

If no beeps are heard, the batteries may be low. Check the

"

batteries.
If seven beeps are heard but the computer does nothing else,

"

release the [YES] key and press the reset switch again.

4. Wait for the computer to prompt for the [3] key,then press and hold
the [3] key for about 40 seconds. When done, the computer resets
and the NORAND Utilities screen or the application appears.

Return to Operations

Do the following to put the computer in operating mode:

1. Remove the Master-Mode Boot card.

2. Reinstall any PC Card or application cards.

3. Close and lock the backup battery compartment door.

3-4 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

SECTION 3 " Flash

6210 Computer Locks Up

"

NOTE: All computers may experience a lock up from time to time. Call Norand Customer

Support at 1-800-221-9236 if the computer cannot be restarted.

If the batteries are good and properly charged, and the computer still does
not start up, there may be a flash problem. The unit should boot to a NOR­AND Utilities screen or to a custom boot program. The computer may have
to be reset.

Reset the Computer

To reset the computer,do the following:

1. Open the PC Card compartment door and gently lift the PC Card
holder up to access the card slots. Pull out any PC Cards.

2. Gently press the tip of a bent paper clip into the reset switch.

3

1

2

1. Top of computer

2. Bent paper clip

3. Reset switch

Paper Clip in 6210 Reset Switch

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 3-5

Figure 3-2

SECTION 3 " Flash

Master-Mode Boot

"

NOTE: A Master-Mode Boot card is required, contact the Norand Customer Response Cen-

ter for this card. The computer must be on charge before doing these steps. Do not
interrupt power while reprogramming the flash, otherwise the Master-Mode Boot
processhas to restart. A failed master-mode boot (seven beeps) may require cold­booting the computer, removing ALL power and starting the computer again.

If the screen is still blank, reflash the computer with these steps:

1. Remove all batteries and put the computer on charge.

2. Install a Master-Mode Boot card in the B: slot.

"

NOTE: Connect the computer to a charge source before doing this next step.

3. Press and hold the [ON] key on the front of the computer, then press
the reset switch. The computer should “beep” seven times as it at­tempts to boot from the B: slot.

4. Count any beeps:

If no beeps are heard, the batteries may be low. Check the

"

batteries.
If seven beeps are heard but the computer does nothing else,

"

release the [ON] key and press the reset switch again.

5. Wait for the computer to prompt for the [3] key,then press the [3]
key. When done, the computer resets and the NORAND Utilities
screen appears.

Return to Operations

Do the following to put the computer in operating mode:

1. Remove the Master-Mode Boot card.

2. Reinstall any PC Card or application cards and press down the PC
Card holder.

3. Reload any data that was not stored in the RAM disk.

4. Close and lock the PC Card compartment door.

3-6 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

Section 4

Troubleshooting

""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

This section offers some troubleshooting tips, instructs how to clear out the
computer’s RAM drive, Master-Mode Boot the computer,check the com­puter’s Flash version, and adjust contrast and backlight settings.

Troubleshooting Tips

Table 4-1 lists possible conditions and offers some basic remedies:

Table 4-1

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Cause Solution
Screen is Blank

Computer Locks Up

Computer in sleep (suspend)
mode.

Main battery or backup battery
low.

LCD screen too dark or light
(beep is heard when key
pressed)

Press [ON] keytowakeup
computer.

Attach computer to good
charge source, operation
should resume. Look at

“When ON Key Pressed,
Computer Beeps Once” or
“When ON Key Pressed,
Computer Beeps Twice” for

other solutions.
Adjust brightness and contrast

settings. See last page for
instructions.

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 4-1

SECTION 4 " Troubleshooting

Table 4-1 (continued)

Troubleshooting

Problem SolutionPossible Cause
Screen is Blank

Computer Locks Up
(continued. . .)

Program, data, PC card
contents, or hardware may be
corrupt or have failed.

Do the following steps to
recover:

1. Attach computer to
charge source and wait
several minutes. If no
signs of life and no beeps
when keys are pressed,
go to the next step.

2. Attach computer to
charge source, press
reset switch:

If not possible, press

"

reset switch, then
attach computer to
charge source.

If no charge source

"

available, install
known-good main
battery pack, then
press reset switch.

3. If screen still blank, but
computer beeps, allow
computer to complete
power-up. Try adjusting
contrast display settings.

4. Press reset switch, then
repeatedly press [F4] key
until “ROM DOS 5” menu
appears on LCD. If this
works, press reset switch
again without [F4] key to
see if computer boots
properly. Repeat this step
if necessary.

4-2 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

Table 4-1 (continued)

Troubleshooting

Problem SolutionPossible Cause
Screen is Blank

Computer Locks Up
(continued. . .)

Program, data, PC card
contents, or hardware may be
corrupt or have failed

(continued). . .

SECTION 4 " Troubleshooting

5.Still no activity:

All programsand data on
C: drive will be lost.

Remove all PC Cards and
press reset switch again.

6.If still no signs of life, try

the following:

Remove main battery

"

pack and backup
battery.
Wait 5 minutes.

"

Attach computer to

"

charge source without
batteries.

Computer should boot up
and NORAND Utilities
menu should appear
onscreen.

If this works, install a

"

known-good main
battery pack, then p ress

reset again.
Continue to troubleshoot
as a possible bad battery,
bad PC Card, or bad
hardware. If computer
comes back to life,
program can be reloaded
and tried again.

It is recommended that the
computer be sent to Norand
for hardware repair.

7.If this fails, bad hardware
or corrupted Flash
suspected, send computer
to Norand for repair.

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 4-3

SECTION 4 " Troubleshooting

Table 4-1 (continued)

Troubleshooting

Problem SolutionPossible Cause
Screen Goes Blank When

Main battery pack low. Press [ON] Key and count the

Removed from Charge
Source

Main battery pack installed
incorrectly.

Poor battery connection due to
bent or dirty contacts.

Screen too dark or too light. Adjust brightness and contrast

Possible bad hardware
preventing normal operations.

beeps. Look down this table
for the appropriate beep count
and do the solutions listed
with that beep count.

Reinstall main battery pack.

Straighten any bent contacts.
Clean the contacts with a
standard soft pencil eraser.
Check the battery pack shrink
wrap for rips or tears, if any -­replace battery pack.

display settings.
Send computer to Norand for

repairs.

4-4 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

SECTION 4 " Troubleshooting

l

Table 4-1 (continued)

Troubleshooting

Problem SolutionPossible Cause
When [ON] Key Pressed,

Computer Beeps Once

Main battery critically low. Place computer on charge.

1. Suspend terminal and

connect to charge source
to confirm as a working
charge source,termina
should wake if okay.

2. If battery does not

recharge, replace main

battery.
Alkaline batteries low. Replace alkaline batteries.
Battery contacts dirty or

deformed.

Clean the contacts with a

"

standard soft pencil eraser.

Check the battery pack

"

shrink wrap for rips or tears, if
any -- replace battery pack.

Check for broken spring

"

contacts.

Send computer to Norand

"

for repairs.

Note: Computer operates on backup battery power, protectingRAM data, until main

battery pack is recharged or replaced. Failure to replaceor rechargebackup battery
resultsin loss of RAM data if the main battery pack is removed, o r runs down.

When [ON] Key Pressed,
Computer Beeps Twice

Backup battery low.

6200 Computer:

Replace 9-volt alkaline

"

backup battery.

Check for broken wires.

"

Send computer to Norand

"

for repairs.

6210 Computer:

Attach to charge source to

"

recharge NiCd backup battery.

Replace backup battery.

"

Send computer to Norand

"

for repairs.

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 4-5

SECTION 4 " Troubleshooting

Table 4-1 (continued)

Troubleshooting

Problem SolutionPossible Cause
When [ON] Key Pressed,

Computer Beeps Three

Main battery is low. Same as for one beep. Main

battery low but not critical.

Times
When [ON] Key Pressed,

Computer Beeps 4, 5, 6

Hardware failure. Send computer to Norand for

repairs.

Times
When [ON] Key Pressed,

Computer Beeps 7 Times

Computer attempted Master
Mode Boot and failed.

If function not desired, press

"

resetswitchtorecover.

If function is desired:

"

1.Put Master Mode Boot
cardinslotdriveB:
(farthest from LCD
screen).

2.Press and hold [YES]
(6200) or [ON] (6210)
key,then press reset
switch.

3.If still fails, bad hardware
or Master Mode Boot
Card not valid.

Computer Does Not Suspend

Normal if computer

"

connected to valid charge
source.

Possible processing loop in

"

Contact Norand Customer
Response Center for additional
troubleshooting help.

program.

Power management software

"

not load correctly.

Note: Attaching the computer to a printer that is attached to an external power source is a

valid chargesource.

Computer stuck in
processing or printing.

Battery running low or
computer locked up.

Put computer on charge

"

source for five minutes.

If still not recovered, go to

"

“Screen is Blank, Computer
Locks Up”

4-6 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

Table 4-1 (continued)

Troubleshooting

Problem SolutionPossible Cause
Computer Displays Bad

Telecommunications

Modem is not talking to
computer.

Message When Using
External Modem

Batteries Do Not Charge

Battery pack dead. See “When ON Key Pressed,

SECTION 4 " Troubleshooting

Check modem, cables, and

"

all connections.

Ensure phone line is

"

working. With standard
phone, plug into same wall
jack and dial number
computer is calling. If
working properly, modem at
other end should answer with
loud squeal. Reconnect
computer and modem and try
again. Follow these steps to
troubleshoot further:

Check modem lights.

"

If “TR” LED off, computer
is not talking to modem
and may not be connected.
If “OH” LED on, modem
is “taking phone receiver”
off hook and getting ready
to dial.
If “CD” LED on, modems
at both ends are
synchronized and talking.
Problem may be
data-related from host
end or bad phone line. If
“CD” light never comes
on, possible bad phone
line, modems not
configured properly, or set
up issue with host
computer.

Computer Beeps Once”

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 4-7

SECTION 4 " Troubleshooting

Table 4-1 (continued)

Troubleshooting

Problem SolutionPossible Cause
No Activity on Computer

LCD Screen When Placed in
Dock

Power is disconnected. Check cable connections.
Computer,dock not

connecting.
LCD screen too dark or light. Adjust computer contrast

Computer failed. Follow steps under

Printer Not Ready

Power disconnected.

Paper is jammed. Removedjammed paper and

Out of paper. Reload printer’s paper tray.
Computer set f or RCT

protocol -- incompatible with
most 48XX Printers.

Reinsert computer into dock.

settings.

“Screen is Blank, Computer
Locks Up”

Check cable connections.

"

Reseat terminal in

"

printer’s terminal holder.

reset the printer.

Do power-on or self-test

"

on printer to determine
protocol settings.

If computer used with

"

NPCP-type printer, try
pressing [EXIT] and [NO]
keys to get “Ready to Retry
Printer” and “Change
Printers” prompts. Select
printer being used.

If these table solutions do not address the problem, try the following:

Look in the Norand Error Codes Reference Guide’s (NPN:

"

979-000-001) table of contents for a description of the problem.
Refer to the software documentation written for the application for

"

any troubleshooting tips.
Contact the Norand Customer Service Center to arrange for hardware

"

repairs.

4-8 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide

"

"

Clearing Out RAM Drive

Do the following to clear all data and application programs from the com­puter’s RAM drive (drive C:):

1. Press the reset switch and repeatedly press [F4]. The [F4] key must

2. Press [4] for drive D: to bring up the NORAND Utilities menu.

3. Press [9] for the “Advanced Utilities” menu.

4. Press [3] to reformat the RAM drive.

5. Walk through the screens to set the size to zero or desired size.

SECTION 4 " Troubleshooting

Contact your Norand Systems Engineer (SE) or Value Added Resel­ler (VAR).

Contact the Norand Customer Response Center.

be active while the computer “beeps” through the memory test during
the power-on self-test. The “ROM DOS 5” menu appears on the
LCD screen.

Master Mode Booting Computer

"

NOTE: If the Master Mode Boot card is in the wrong slot, not present, or not loaded with

the proper image, the computer beeps seven times.

Keep in mind, for Master-Mode Booting, the [YES] key is for the 6200
Computer; the [ON] key is for the 6210 Computer. Do the following to
Master Mode Boot the computer:

1. Install the Master-Mode Boot card and connect the computer to a
charge source (recommended).

2. Press and hold the [YES] or [ON] key.

3. Press the reset switch. Continue to hold the [YES] or [ON] key until
the display stops changing.

4. The screen prompts to connect the computer to a charge source, press
[YES], then press [3] to reflash now. The computer updates flash
memory,then resets when completed.

5. Remove the Master Mode Boot card.

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 4-9

SECTION 4 " Troubleshooting

Checking Flash Version

Perform this procedure on a computer that is not holding any critical data:

1. Press the reset switch and wait 10 seconds for the power-on self-test.
“62X0 FLASH Vx.xx” appears at the bottom of the screen. “Vx.xx”
is the flash version in this computer. This screen pauses 10 seconds,
then continues o n through the reset.

2. If step 1 did not work, try booting to the NORAND Utilities menu.
Once those steps are complete, press the reset switch again without
holding any keys. The computer should boot back to the previously
running program.

Booting to NORAND Utilities Menu

Use the following steps to access the NORAND Utilities menu:

1. Press the reset switch and repeatedly press [F4]. The [F4] key must
be active while the computer “beeps” through the memory test during
the power-on self-test. The “ROM DOS 5” menu should appear on
the LCD screen. If this fails to appear, try this step again.

2. Press [4] for drive D:. As the computer boots, the flash version ap­pears for ten seconds, then the computer should continue to the NOR­AND Utilities menu.

4-10 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers Troubleshooting Guide

Contrast and Backlight Adjustments

Contrast and backlight adjustments brighten or darken the LCD screen. The
steps differ between the 30-key (alphanumeric) keyboard and the 56-key
(numeric) keyboard.

Adjust Contrast

To adjust the contrast, press the gold (shift) key, then the Contrast Up (or
Down) key. The icons shown typically appear above the [A] and [B] keys
on a 56-key keyboard and above the [7] and [8] keys on a 30-key keyboard.

Adjust Backlight

To adjust the backlight, press the gold (shift) key, then the Backlight Up (or
Down) key. The icons shown typically appear above the [C] and [D] keys
on a 56-key keyboard and above the [4] and [5] keys on a 30-key keyboard.

SECTION 4 " Troubleshooting

Turn Backlight On or Off

To turn the backlight on or off, press the gold (shift) key,then the Backlight
On/Off key. The default condition for the backlight is maximum brightness,
but adjustments are retained for when the backlight is turned on. The icon
shown typically appears above the [E] key on a 56-key keyboard and above
the [9] key on a 30-key keyboard.

ContrastUpContrast Down Backlight Up Backlight Down Backlight On/Off

Contrast and Backlight Adjustment Icons

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide 4-11

Figure 4-1

SECTION 4 " Troubleshooting

4-12 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers Troubleshooting Guide

INDEX

""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

NOTE:

This index covers all topics. Page
numbers in italics are figures. Page
numbers in bold are tables. Entries
in UPPER CASE are utility program
options and suboptions.

NUMBERS

4960 Multidock, 1-4
6200 Computer, 1-2

ballpoint pen in reset switch, 3-3
flash, 3-2
locks up, 3-2
master-modebooting, 3-4
PC Cards, slots, 1-6
reset switch, 3-3

6210 Computer, 1-2

flash, 3-5
locks up, 3-5
master-modebooting, 3-6
reset switch, 3-5

A

Adjusting

backlight, 4-11
contrast, 4-11

Adjustment icons, 4-11

Backlight icons, 4-11
Backlight on or off, 4-11
Backup battery,computer differ-

ences, 1-4
Battery,status indicators, 2-3
BATWARN.EXE, 3-2
Booting to NORAND

4-10



Utilities,

C

Checking flash version, 4 -10
Clearing out RAM drive, 4-9
Computer

differences, 1-2

4960 Multidock, 1-4

backup battery,1-4

charging, 1-3

endcap, 1-4

keyboards, 1-5

overlay,1-5

reset switch, 1-5

RJ-11phone jack, 1-5

locks up

6200 Computer, 3-2

6210 Computer, 3-5
Contrast adjusting, 4-11
Contrast icons, 4-11

F

Flash

6200 Computer, 3-2
6210 Computer, 3-5
checking version, 4-10

K

Keyboard

30-key, 1-5
56-key, 1-5

M

Main battery installation

beeps, 2-4
low battery, 2-4
low main battery, 2-2

temperature extremes, 2-4
Master-Modebooting, 4-9
Master-Modebooting

6200 Computer, 3-4

6210 Computer, 3-6
Multidock (4960), 1-4

N

NORAND Utilities, booting to, 4-10

B

Backlight adjusting, 4-11

D

Default boot drive, overriding, 3-1

6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide Index-1

O

Overriding default boot drive, 3-1

INDEX

"

R

RAMdrive,clearingout,4-9
Rechargeable batteries, 2-4
Reset switch

6200 Computer, 3-3

6210 Computer, 3-5
ballpoint pen in 6200 Computer,

3-3

paper clip in 6210 Computer, 3-5

RJ-11phone jack, 1-5

T

Temperatureextremes, 2-4
Troubleshooting,4-1

4-1

tips,
Turningbacklight on or off, 4-11

Index-2 6200 and 6210 Hand-Held Computers TroubleshootingGuide